April 30, 2025 -History of the Heartland is sponsoring their annual History Showcase Saturday on Saturday, May 17th where the public is invited to visit the historical gems of Decatur. This event is part of the 6th annual Historic Preservation Week, sponsored by the historic preservation organization.
Tourists will be able to visit a wide variety of historic venues including a former Illinois Governor’s home, the homestead of the founder of Millikin University, the Lincoln Log Court house and so much more.
“Decatur is rich with historic people, homes, businesses, Lincoln lore and more. We appreciate the participation of our historic sites, their staffs and volunteers. They are each a gem in our community and also appreciated by those that travel here to see our treasures,” says History of the Heartland founder, Ayn Owens. “One goal of the showcase is to assist the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in attracting tourists to visit our community,” continued Owens.
Below are details at each stop:
The Staley Museum, 361 North College—10am to noon. A Spring Porch Potting Workshop—great idea for Mother’s Day gifts. $30 staleymuseum.com to register, advance registration is required, or call 217-422-1212 for more information
The Culver House, 412 West Prairie Ave—12:30-3pm A special recognition reception will be held for Lynn and Duane Potter. The guests of honor will be there to remanence about their many historic preservation projects, Lynn’s books and more! Period music and cake and punch will be available. FREE donations accepted towards the 2nd floor renovations
The Staley Museum, 361 North College 1pm to 4pm—The Staley Museum opens to the public, free admission with donations accepted. You will see the story of the beginning of the Chicago Bears & other sports legends, stories of the A.E. Staley manufacturing company and the Staley family. 217-422-1212
The Hieronymus Mueller Museum, 420 West Eldorado—1pm to 4pm. Free admission this day, with donations accepted. Explore how Mr. Mueller immigrated from Germany in the 1800s and, with the help of his family and the Decatur community, founded a nation-wide company that continues to impact the water and gas industries today! 217-423-6161
Macon County History Museum, 5580 North Fork Rd (south of the airport)—Open House 1pm-4pm, donations accepted. Stop in and see numerous exhibits inside and visit the grounds which includes the Lincoln Courthouse and the new General Store exhibit. For more info call 217-422-4919
James Millikin Homestead, 125 North Pine St—Open house and tours 2pm to 4pm Donations accepted. During your tour of this West Side treasure built in 1875-6, you will see a unique display about the history of lace from the 1500’s to the 1800’s!
Governor Richard J Oglesby Mansion and Museum, 421 West William St—Open 2pm to 4pm with docent guided tours. Gov Oglesby nominated Lincoln for President in Decatur and coined the phrase “Rail-splitter Candidate”. President Grant visited the mansion in 1880 and much of the original floor and woodwork remain in the home. Donations accepted
